Posted on 11 May 2023
When purchasing a ski property, many clients often look at the closest resorts to Geneva Airport, and we understand why. Geneva Airport, a smooth-operating air travel hub hosting flights worldwide, is a gateway to Swiss and French ski resorts. Additionally, ski property owners do not want a lengthy transfer after their flight and would much prefer to get there and onto the ski slopes themselves in next to no time.
Since clients often ask us this question, we compiled this list of the closest ski resorts from Geneva airport for beginner and intermediate skiers and advanced. We also list what to expect in popular ski resorts, from the snow parks to apres ski, mountain restaurants, short airport transfers and more.
Closest ski resorts Near Geneva Airport
1: Chamonix Centre
A 70-minute drive along 86 kilometres brings skiers to pretty Chamonix centre, a skiing resort, formally known as Chamonix Mont Blanc, with several Michelin-starred restaurants. Sitting on the junction of Italy, France and Switzerland, the charming town of Chamonix offers good conditions for advanced skiers. Another highlight is the cable car to Aiguille du Midi Peak.
The ski resort’s height is 1305 meters, so not a high altitude but still enough to give good snow coverage. As well as being close to Geneva airport, a 15-minute drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel takes skiers to the train station, then onto Switzerland. On average, the transfer time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by road.
Chamonix Resort has several north-facing slopes, which typically have better snow conditions than south-facing slopes due to their exposure to the sun. Some notable north-facing slopes in Chamonix include the Grand Montets on the north face of Aiguille Verte mountain. Another north-facing area in Chamonix is Brévent-Flégère. Finally, the Balme-Tour-Vallorcine ski area, on the northern slopes of Chamonix Valley, also has good snow conditions.
2: Praz de Lys Sommand
Also, with a 70-minute transfer time, Praz de Lys Sommand is one of the best resorts staying off-grid and remaining a well-kept secret. Opening for business about 45 years ago and standing at a resort height of 1500 meters, the town is quieter than other ski resorts, with less ski infrastructure. Still, anyone who wants traditional alpine architecture, a good ski area and Mother Nature’s vibes instantly falls in love.
Skiers can access 6 chairlifts, 24 lifts, 56 slopes and decent beginner ski areas. In addition, expect a family-friendly atmosphere twinned with walking trails and cross-country ski runs, making a perfect ski holiday getaway. For après ski, there is not a large selection of bars and restaurants, yet the low-key ambience makes Praz de Lys Sommand a prize gem.
3: La Clusaz Ski Resort
Sixty minutes by road from Geneva airport takes skiers to La Clusaz, a big-name ski resort attached to a decent French Alps ski area. Don’t think La Clusaz sold out its traditional alpine roots, though, because La Clusaz does an excellent job of delivering everything one would expect from one of the prettiest ski villages. La Clusaz has hosted winter sports in the Rhone Alpes region since 2007 and offers 132 kilometres of ski runs during the ski season. Standing at a resort height of 1100 meters, it doesn’t have high-altitude skiing but still delivers in abundance.
4: Le Grand Bornand
Sitting in the eastern Haute Savoie region and with a resort height of 1000 meters, this famous ski resort is worth considering, even though it is one of the lesser-known French ski resorts. Additionally, their skiing enthusiasm dates to 1923, when they formed their ski club called société des skiers bornandins. In 2004, the town was the finishing destination for the Tour de France. Getting to Le Grand Bornard from Geneva airport takes 65 minutes along a 70-kilometre journey. This resort is a great place to start skiing as a hobby, and the lift pass gets you access to local slopes on two mountains: Lachat and Maroly.
5: Morzine – 90 Minutes From Geneva
Ah, charming Morzine, a tidy ski resort in the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area. Sitting close to the Swiss border, in the Auvergne Rhone-Alps region, Morzine, another French Alps town committed to preserving traditional Savoyard architecture in chalets and apartments, earns admiration from near and far. Yet, skiers enjoy the pleasures of modern living because they successfully twinned the two to offer the best of both worlds.
Morzine, lit up in the evening
The lift pass accesses decent selections of green to black runs. Morzine, an all-rounder on the ski scene and off the slopes, promotes a family-friendly atmosphere for ski holidays. Other activities besides the ski area include snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice hockey, bowling, swimming, and a world-class ice rink. Skiers easily reach Morzine from Geneva Airport within a 90-minute drive.
6: World-Class Skiing in Charming Les Gets
Within a 70-minute drive from Geneva, Les Gets, a prominent ski resort, is serviced by 200 ski lifts accessed by an affordable lift pass. Sitting at an altitude of 2350 metres, ski amenities range from beginner to experienced, and this family-friendly resort won the “top of the French Alps” label. Along with eleven other resorts near Geneva, Les Gets taps into the Portes du Soleil ski area, offering many skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Another reason to consider Les Gets as the ideal place to own ski property is because the dual-season resort offers much to do, from Spring to Summer to Autumn. Otherwise, expect a healthy choice of bars, restaurants, and shops. While in Les Gets, take time to sample the local Savoyard cuisine.
7: The Ski Terrain of Combloux Resort
This French Alps Mountain village, the Pearl of Mont Blanc, gives residents on a ski weekend front-row seats to incredible views. Combloux proudly boasts of being the first location of the Winter Olympics in 1924 and is another ski resort with a traditional alpine ambience during winter months. Sharing a ski area with nearby Megeve and Saint Gervais, skiers tap into 445 kilometres of pistes serviced by 35 lifts. Beginners feel right at home because ski schools offer private and group lessons. The closest airport is a 40-minute drive away. Still, many skiers use Geneva, a 60-minute drive away, simply because of a more extensive flight frequency and more destinations.
8: Enjoy a Ski Weekend in Pretty Samoens
Sitting at 1600 metres altitude, the beautiful resort of Samoens, often called the French Alps’ prettiest town, belongs to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Having officially received the Famille Plus Montagne label, families instantly adore the traditional town, as do beginners who access extensive beginner slopes in the Haute Savoie area. For a year-round destination or ski weekend, Samoens could well fit the bill since there is much to do when the snow falls away. Moreover, with a short transfer time of just 70 minutes, getting to Samoens all year round from Geneva airport is easy.
9: Fantastic Skiing in Les Carroz
Les Carroz is one of the smaller resorts in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. It is a popular ski resort in the Grand Massif ski area, including Flaine, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. There are various blue and red runs for intermediate skiers, including the Grand Massif Express, one of the longest green runs.
The resort also has a snow park and a boardercross course for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Les Carroz is one of the nearest ski resorts to Geneva Airport, approximately 50 kilometres away. Hence, the transfer time makes this resort ideal for a short ski break. The resort is not entirely car-free but restricts vehicle traffic in certain areas.
10: Keen Skiers in Les Houches
Les Houches is one of the famous Geneva ski resorts in the French Alps, in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France. The ski area of Les Houches covers around 55km of pistes, with the highest point at 1900m and the lowest at 1000m. There are 24 ski runs, including 6 green runs, 8 blue runs, 5 red runs, and 5 black runs. There are also several off-piste routes for more advanced skiers. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Les Houches also offers other winter sports activities.
The resort has several ski schools ski rental shops, and equipment hire, making this an excellent alternative for starter weekend skiers. Les Houches is easily accessible by car. The nearest major airport is Geneva Airport, located approximately 87 kilometres away. There are also regular bus and train services to Les Houches from Geneva and other nearby towns and cities. In addition, Les houches is one stop on the Tramway du Mont Blanc line.
11: Swiss Ski Resorts and the Massif de la Dole
The Massif de la Dôle is a mountain range in the Jura Mountains on the border between Switzerland and France. The Massif de la Dôle, which reaches an altitude of 1677 meters above sea level, offers a range of winter sports activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The range has several resorts, including Les Rousses, one of the largest ski areas. In addition, the range is known for stunning landscape views, including nearby Lake Geneva.
There are several Swiss ski resorts here, including Saint-Cergue and La Cure in Switzerland and Les Rousses and Lamoura in France. The region is easily accessible by car or public transport, with train and bus connections from nearby towns and cities. Overall, the Massif de la Dôle is a beautiful and popular destination for winter and summer outdoor activities and non-skiers. For most resorts, expect a one-hour transfer time.
12: Travel to and From Ski Resorts from Geneva
- Private Airport Transfers: Once you have your chosen ski resort, book personal transfer services to pick you up from either your accommodation or Geneva Airport. This can be arranged through various private transfer companies or your accommodation provider.
- Taxi: These cost around 180-250 euros depending on the time and passenger numbers.
- Bus: The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The bus company that operates this route is SAT Mont-Blanc.
- Train: The journey takes approximately 2 hours. The train company that operates this route is called SNCF.
As you can see, most resorts are easy to get to, but plan your journey in advance and check the weather and traffic conditions in ski resorts close to Geneva.
13: Car Hire From Geneva
Several car rental companies at Geneva Airport offer car hire services for travellers. Some major car rental companies with offices include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget and Thrifty. You can make a reservation online or directly at the car rental desk upon your arrival at Geneva Airport. Book your car hire in advance to ensure availability and to secure a better rate.
More About the Best Ski Resorts
Après Ski Resorts with Luxury: The subtle blend of French Après-ski resorts with luxury presents a social scene found nowhere else. Whether it is cocktails, spirits, appetisers or fine dining, the ambience goes a long way to making a luxurious ski holiday. Many of the best ski resorts do après-ski with style and finesse, so where should you go if that is what you seek?
About Us: Our ongoing commitment to our clients ensures they buy the best mountain property. Established in 2003, we specialise in attractive new-build and renovation development projects in prime French ski resorts and property markets. To know more about the closest ski resorts to Geneva airport and other top destinations, see our blog or follow us on Facebook to stay updated.